Organisers of the much-anticipated event at The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse, on May 18-19 – the biggest of its kind in the county – have attracted many of the business community’s brightest minds from Gloucestershire and beyond.

The speakers include bosses from some of the best-known companies in the UK, finance gurus, security chiefs, government and commercial experts, and online marketing specialists.

John Williamson (Santander), Neill Ricketts (Versarien), Prof Dr David Hopkins (Royal Agricultural University), Dr Peter Dirken (Innovate UK), Ian Maxted (Gloucestershire Police) and Claire Vertigen (SW Apprenticeship Company) are among those sharing their insights.

Sessions include ‘Access to Finance – Know Your Finance Options’, ‘Brand Awareness – The New Big Player’, ‘The Future of the High Street in Gloucestershire’, ‘Dowty Propellers – Rising from the Ashes’, ‘The Future of Learning’ and ‘Cyber Risk Management’.

The seminars and workshops will be delivered across various venues and hubs at The Centaur and each is aimed at providing information and inspiration, stimulating thought and debate, and generating activity. 

GBS16 co-organiser Antonia Coles said: “We are absolutely delighted to have attracted so many high-quality speakers to GBS16.

“This is the biggest event of its kind in Gloucestershire and the high calibre of speakers reflects that.

“We’re confident that everyone who attends will come away having learned something they hadn’t known previously, which they can then apply to their business going forward and prosper from it.”

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to benefit from a wealth of experience packaged together across two fantastic days.”

GBS16 co-organiser Peter Allison said: “We’ve carefully chosen a wide variety of speakers for GBS16, so there will be something for everyone, whether you’re the owner of a new start-up company or run a multi-million business.

“GBS16 is a fantastic opportunity to engage with decision makers, tackle myths and barriers to business, have a say in business issues and gain top tips to improve your bottom line, plus much more.”

Businesses still hoping to exhibit at GBS16 are being urged to get in touch with organisers and make sure they don’t miss out on the few remaining exhibitors’ stands available.

With only a few of the 146 spaces still available, and all in excellent positions, businesses are being encouraged to secure them fast to avoid disappointment.

As well as speakers and exhibitors, GBS16 will feature a series of clinics and workshops, plus networking breakfasts, an awards evening and a gala dinner at Pittville Pump Room.

GFirst LEP Banking and Finance Clinics are being held on both days of GBS16, May 18 and 19, from 11am and 3pm.

The GFirst LEP Banking and Finance Business Group will offer local businesses tailored financial support and advice on their organisations growth strategies.

In a 30 minute, one-to-one session, the clinics will provide the expertise of members from the GFirst LEP Banking and Finance Business Group, Growth Hub business guides and local business experts operating in the finance sector.

If you would like to receive customised support for the individual needs of your organisation, visit the GFirst LEP website to complete some details about your business, and the GFirst LEP team will be in touch with you.

There will also be a Business Advice Centre, plus Innovation and Technology, Cyber, and Training and Development hubs offering advice and seminars, The Business Kitchen, and networking spaces and meeting areas.

For details about how to book an exhibition stand and prices, email exhibitors@business-shows.co.uk

For GBS16 information and for FREE delegate registration, visit www.gloucestershire-business-show.co.uk.